Sapling architecture and growth in the co-occurring species Castanopsis cuspidata and Quercus glauca in a secondary forest in western Japan

This study quantitatively compared the sapling (height 62–289cm) architecture and growth of Castanopsis cuspidata and Quercus glauca, both of which are major components in the temperate zone of western Japan, under shaded light conditions in secondary forest. When the sapling architectures were compared at the same support mass (trunk + branch mass), C. cuspidata had a larger crown area but a smaller height gain than did Q. glauca owing to the allocation of more biomass to lateral branches in C. cuspidata. The above-ground relative growth rate (RGR) of C. cuspidata (0.442gg^–1 year^–1) was nearly twice that of Q. glauca (0.256gg^–1year^–1), primarily as a result of a greater total leaf area per above-ground biomass (LAR) in C. cuspidata (56cm²g^–1) as compared to Q. glauca (33cm²g^–1). Because it has a disadvantage in height gain, related to its allocation pattern of biomass, C. cuspidata realized the same height growth (RGR_H) as Q. glauca, despite the large biomass production. The great potential for photosynthesis in C. cuspidata, which results from its vigorous lateral spreading, is presumed to give it a long-term advantage over Q. glauca in the shaded forest understory. Q. glauca invests preferentially in trunk biomass, possibly giving it an advantage in sunny sites as opposed to a shaded forest understory.     

The applicability of a color acetate film for estimating photosynthetic photon flux density in a forest understory

The suitability of a color acetate film for estimating photosynthetic photon flux density (PPFD) in a forest understory was examined. The fading ratio of the film (F), the total PPFD (PPFD_total) to which the film was exposed, and the average daily maximum temperature during exposure (T) were obtained from measurements at multiple sampling points throughout an entire year within a natural secondary forest (n = 42). The ranges of the recorded values were as follows: F 35%–99%, PPFD_total 1.4–28.3molm^–2, and T 6°–32°C. PPFD_total was regressed by F and T with a high r ² (=0.94; P < 0.0001): PPFD_total = (100 – F)/(1.085 + 0.051T). The absolute error (|estimated PPFD_total – measured PPFD_total|) averaged 1.3molm^–2 with a maximum of 5.7molm^–2, indicating a good fit. These results indicated broad applicability of the film, both spatially and temporally, for estimating forest understory PPFD.     

毛竹扩张对常绿阔叶林土壤性质的影响及相关分析

[目的]为探讨毛竹向邻近常绿阔叶林扩张对土壤性质的影响。[方法]本研究选取江西大岗山森林生态定位站常绿阔叶林、2∶8竹阔混交林、8∶2竹阔混交林和毛竹纯林为研究对象,对土壤有机碳、密度、孔隙度、持水量和贮水量等土壤性质和水分特征进行研究。[结果]常绿阔叶林在毛竹扩张过程中,土壤碳元素含量呈先增后降的趋势。相关分析表明:土壤有机碳与非毛管持水量和现有贮水量呈极显著相关,与土壤密度和总孔隙度呈显著相关,各指标相互作用共同影响了土壤有机碳含量在扩张过程中的变化特征。[结论]常绿阔叶林表层土壤密度、孔隙度和持水量等特征综合优于混交林和毛竹纯林,这为竹鞭扩张后竹笋萌发创造了条件;当常绿阔叶林演替到毛竹纯林时,10 60 cm土壤物理性质和持水能力都有所改善,但有机碳含量降为4个林分最低值,大量竹鞭虽然优化了土壤物理性质,但无性繁殖导致土壤碳元素大量消耗,加之择伐和挖笋等人工干扰,毛竹纯林土壤有机碳含量较低。调节土壤碳含量以及土壤结构和水分特征可能是今后控制毛竹林扩张,维持群落生态系统稳定性的重要生态策略。     

Effects of a nursery CO2 enriched atmosphere on the germination and seedling morphology of two Mediterranean oaks with contrasting leaf habit

The use of an enriched CO₂ atmosphere in tree nurseries has been envisaged as a promising technique to increase productivity and to obtain seedlings with a higher root/shoot ratio, an essential trait to respond to water stress in Mediterranean-type ecosystems. In that framework, we have analyzed the effects of three levels of atmospheric CO₂ concentration (350, 500 and 700ppm) on the germination rate, growth and morphology of seedlings of two Mediterranean oaks used in reforestation programs: the evergreen Quercus ilex L. and the deciduous Quercus cerrioides Wilk. et Costa. CO₂ enrichment increased the germination rate of Q. cerrioides (from 70±7 to 81±3%) while it decreased that of Q. ilex (from 71±10 to 41±12%). Seedlings of both species increased approximately 60% their total biomass in response to CO₂ enrichment but at two different CO₂ concentrations: 500ppm for Q. cerrioides and 700ppm for Q. ilex. This increase in seedlings biomass was entirely due to an augmentation of root biomass. Considering germination and biomass partitioning, an enriched CO₂ atmosphere might not be appropriate for growing Mediterranean evergreen oaks, such as Q. ilex, since it reduces acorn germination and the only gains in root biomass occur at a high concentration (700ppm). On the other hand, a moderate CO₂ enrichment (500ppm) appears as a promising nursery technique to stimulate the germination, growth and root/shoot ratio of deciduous oaks, such as Q. cerrioides.     

Root morphology and nutritional status of Japanese red cedar saplings subjected to in situ levels of aluminum in forest soil solution

There is little information on the effects of in situ levels of aluminum (Al) in the forest soil solution on the root morphology of Japanese red cedar (Cryptomeria japonica D. Don). We evaluated whether morphological and nutritional changes in the white roots of Japanese red cedar saplings grown in glass-bead culture for 18 weeks occurred in response to Al solutions at five concentrations: 0 (control), 0.05, 0.1, 0.5, and 1.0mM. Branching white roots treated with 0.5 or 1.0mM Al had some stunted, brown, thickened tips. Their mean lengths were significantly shorter than those of roots treated with 0.05 or 0.1mM Al. The maximum diameters of white roots treated with 0.5 or 1.0mM Al were significantly larger than those of the control. Treatment with 0.5 or 1.0mM Al reduced the concentrations of Ca and Mg in the white roots and increased the concentration of Al compared with the control. These results indicate that between 0.1 and 0.5mM Al, a drastic change occurs in the effects of Al on the morphology and nutritional status of white roots of Japanese red cedar saplings, and suggest that the Al levels in Japanese forest soils may induce morphological changes in the white roots.     

Management and yield prediction of Kunugi (Quercus acutissima) grazing forests

This study deals with grazing in kunugi (Quercus acutissima) forests in the Aso district of Kyushu Island in southwest Japan. These forests are managed for production of bed-logs for shiitake mushrooms and cow-calf farming. One of their characteristics is short-term rotation such as 10–15 years for bed-logs and a year for calf production. A forest grazing experiment was begun in Minamioguni to look at forest growth, vegetation change and grazing intensity. Stem densities dropped in a few years. After sprout cutting, they also dropped gradually, then stabilized. Although grazing caused tree damage and suppressed tree growth, grazing intensity of up to 150 cow-days/ha·year did not harm forest regeneration. Herbage volume decreased as grazing was repeated and trees grew. Another investigation of kunugi grazing forests in Minamioguni and Asaji showed the correlation betweenRy (yield index in Stand density diagram) and grazing capacity could be expressed with a regression equation. The results were also used to design a yield table for kunugi grazing forests. The yield table has items ofRy and grazing capacity in addition to usual yield table items, and can indicate timber yield and grazing capacity at the same time. The table estimates that proper grazing capacity is 60–80 cow-days/ha·year in wild grass sites. In the light of these results, an optimal management plan was proposed as a diagram integrating stem density, forest yield, and forest management.     

Susceptibility of adult trees of the endangered species Pinus armandii var. amamiana to pine wilt disease in the field

Adult trees of Pinus armandii var. amamiana (PAAm) and P. thunbergii grown in the field were inoculated with 100000 or 1000 of the nematode Bursaphelenchus xylophilus to evaluate their susceptibility to pine wilt disease. PAAm trees inoculated with 100000 nematodes started to show disease symptoms 2 weeks after inoculation, and all died within 29 weeks. Although the PAAm trees inoculated with 1000 nematodes tended to show delayed disease symptoms compared with those inoculated with 100000 nematodes, all of them died within 33 weeks after inoculation. All P. thunbergii trees inoculated with 1000 nematodes had died 6 weeks after inoculation. In the nematode-inoculated PAAm trees, death of branches distal to the nematode inoculation site was the first visible symptom, followed by the systemic discoloration of needles, whereas the whole tree wilted simultaneously in P. thunbergii trees. In nematode-inoculated PAAm trees, the period from inoculation to death was longer than that in P. thunbergii. These results suggest that adult PAAm trees are susceptible to pine wilt disease, but are less vulnerable than P. thunbergii.     

Effects of vegetation coverage on oviposition by <Emphasis Type="Italic">Luehdorfia japonica</Emphasis> (Lepidoptera: Papilionidae)

The effects of canopy and shrub layer coverage on the frequency of oviposition by a papilionid butterfly, Luehdorfia japonica, were investigated. Density of larval host plant tended to be higher where shrub layer was thinner, and the frequency of oviposition was correlated with host plant abundance. On the other hand, host plant abundance and the frequency of oviposition were not correlated with canopy layer coverage. Eggs were mainly found at or near the forest edge irrespective of host plant abundance.     

Tree species diversity and dominance in a man-made forest on sodic wasteland of North India

The study was conducted with the objective of studying tree species diversity and dominance and the associated changes in soil characteristics in a man-made forest established on formerly barren sodic land at Banthra Research Station (National Botanical Research Institute, Lucknow, India) (80° 45–53E, 26° 40–45N) over three decades. The results revealed that the forest has a moderate value for the tree species diversity index (H). The tree species Derris indica, Dalbergia sissoo, Azadirachta indica, Cassia siamea, Terminalia arjuna, Syzygium cumini, and Tectona grandis were found to be the major dominant species which may be considered suitable for planting on such degraded wastelands. There was a perceptible reduction in soil pH and exchangeable sodium percentage (ESP) and an increase in organic C and Ca²⁺+Mg²⁺ cation contents over the past three decades, indicating that the sodicity has declined in the surface soil.     

Preparation of liquid polyesterpolyols from glucose and its methyl derivative

Preparation of liquid polyols from d-(+)-glucose (Glc) and its derivative, methyl--d-glucoside (m-Glc), has been studied. Direct reaction of -caprolactone (CL) with Glc (CL:Glc = 2:1–5:1 in weight ratio) at 150°C using tin(II) 2-ethyl hexanoate (SnEht₂) (series A), in which melted Glc was suspended in CL, resulted in a dark-brown coloration of the reactants. The reaction was accompanied by formation of high molecular weight resins, a pH drop, production of water, and a considerable decrease in the hydroxyl value from the theoretically expected one. In the case of Glc/ethylene glycol (EG)/CL reaction system with SnEht₂ catalyst at 150°C (series B), in which the weight ratio of Glc to EG was fixed at 1:1, Glc dissolved in the EG/CL mixture, but the brown coloration of the reactant mixture still occurred. In this case, the formation of water was enhanced, but the other effects found in series A were suppressed to a considerable extent. In the m-Glc/CL/SnEht₂ reaction system (series C), in which m-Glc reacted with two to five times weight amounts of CL under the same conditions adopted in series A, development of the color, the production of high molecular weight materials and water, and the changes in pH and hydroxyl value were not observed. These results are discussed based on the chemical structural differences: Glc exists mostly in the hemiacetal form, but tautomerizes to the aldehyde, whereas m-Glc is an acetal and is protected from reversion to the aldehyde.     

Soil aggregate characteristics and stability of soil carbon stocks in a <Emphasis Type="Italic">Pinus tabulaeformis</Emphasis> plantation

Pinus tabulaeformis has been widely planted in order to conserve soil and water and improve the ecological environment in China. This study aimed to unravel how soil aggregates and soil carbon (C) stock stability of a P. tabulaeformis plantation change after 60 years of natural development and was performed in Vitex negundo var. heterophylla and Ziziphus jujuba var. spinosa shrub (shrub), a P. tabulaeformis forest (pine), and a coniferous broadleaf P. tabulaeformis mixed forest (pine-oak). Afforestation increased the stability of soil aggregates in the 0–10 cm soil layer but resulted in a decrease in the 10–20 cm soil layer. However, the presence of deciduous broadleaf species in the pine plantation improved the stability of soil aggregates. The total soil C stock was increased by afforestation, especially in the pine-oak forest, where it reached a significant level. The mineral soil C stock in the shrub stand was higher than that in pine and lower than that in pine-oak forests, but the C fractions had a different change. Afforestation increased the C fraction of macroaggregates in the 0–10 cm soil layer but decreased it in the 10–20 cm soil layer. This result suggested that afforestation could improve soil C stabilization in deeper soil. However, the pine-oak forest had a higher C fraction of macroaggregates than the pine forest in the 10–20 cm soil layer, indicating that soil C stabilization of the P. tabulaeformis plantation decreased when deciduous broadleaf species were present and thus formed the coniferous broadleaf mixed forest.     

Minimum distance boundary method: maximum size-density lines for unthinned <Emphasis Type="Italic">Acacia mangium</Emphasis> plantations in South Sumatra,Indonesia

A minimum-distance boundary method that will minimize the sum of distances between measured points and a fitted self-thinning lines on log–log coordinates of stand density and quadratic mean diameter was proposed in order to estimate the maximum size density line: an upper boundary of self-thinning line. The lines for A. mangium were inferred with this method using data in two areas of unthinned plantations in South Sumatra, Indonesia. Slopes of the lines were deduced as –1.63 and –1.67 within the range of 10–21cm of quadratic mean dbh. The intensity of self-thinning was examined as a rate of reduction of density in relation to dbh increment. The rates were found to be higher than the slopes in the range close to the maximum line; hence the lines inferred in this study were likely existent. Maximum basal area deduced from the size-density line was 28–30m²/ha at 12cm of dbh and then it increased up to 34–37m²/ha at 20cm of dbh.     

Responses of labile soil organic carbon and enzyme activity in mineral soils to forest conversion in the subtropics

Aims

Globally, extensive areas of native forest have been almost replaced by plantations to meet the demands for timber, fuel material and other forest products. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of forest conversion on labile soil organic C (SOC), soil respiration, and enzyme activity, and to quantify their relationship in subtropical forest ecosystems.

Methods

Surface mineral soil (0–20 cm) was collected from a Cunninghamia lanceolata Hook. plantation, Pinus massoniana Lamb. plantation, Michelia macclurei Dandy plantation, and an undisturbed native broadleaf forest. Soil microbial biomass C, dissolved organic C, permanganate-oxidizable C, basal respiration, and six enzyme activities were investigated.

Results

Soil microbial biomass C was higher by 45.9 % in native broadleaf forest than that in M. macclurei Dandy plantation. The ratio of soil microbial biomass C to total SOC was 27.6 % higher in the M. macclurei Dandy plantation than in the native broadleaf forest. The soil respiration increased by 25.2 % and 21.7 % after conversion from native broadleaf forest to P. massoniana Lamb. and M. macclurei Dandy plantations respectively. The effects of forest conversion on the soil enzyme activities differed among the tree species. Soil microbial biomass C had higher correlation with soil respiration than with the other SOC fractions. Moreover, soil microbial biomass C was positively correlated with urease and negatively correlated with cellulase activity. Soil respiration had higher correlation with soil microbial biomass C, dissolved organic C and permanganate-oxidizable C.

Conclusion

Forest conversion affected the soil microbial biomass C, soil respiration, invertase, cellulase, urease, catalase, acid phosphatase, and polyphenol oxidase activities, but their response depended on tree species. Soil respiration was mainly controlled by labile SOC, not by total SOC.     

Organic carbon stocks and stock changes of forest biomass in Belgium derived from forest inventory data in a spatially explicit approach

? Carbon sequestration in forest ecosystems is an important though still uncertain process in the global greenhouse gas balance.

? We computed biomass organic carbon (BOC) stocks of spatially explicit forested landscape units (LSU) in Belgium based on data collected in the regional forest inventories of 1984 (Wallonia region only) and 2000 (Wallonia and Flanders). C stock changes between 1984 and 2000 were estimated for Wallonia.

? The total BOC pool stored in Belgian forests in 2000 amounts to 57.8 Mt C in 6222 km², or 10.0 kg C m^?2 in broadleaf, 9.5 kg C m^?2 in coniferous and 8.7 kg C m^?2 in mixed forest. Based on previous soil organic carbon (SOC) analysis for the same LSU, BOC and SOC stock per LSU appeared only weakly correlated. The total BOC sequestration between 1984 and 2000 equals 5.7 Mt C over an area of 5 107 km², resulting in a flux of 0.07 kg C m^?2 y^?1. The BOC content of broadleaf forest in Wallonia increased with 6%, of coniferous forest with 32% and of mixed forest with 11%.

? The observed regional differences in BOC stocks and in BOC sequestration rates are explained by the forest age-class distribution and site productivity. The strength of the spatially explicit approach lies in the fact that BOC and SOC data originating from diverse sampling strategies can be combined for spatial or temporal comparison of C stocks.

     

The composition and abundance of microarthropod communities on arboreal litter in the canopy of Cryptomeria japonica trees

In a Cryptomeria japonica plantation, we examined the composition and seasonal abundance of microarthropods in communities associated with habitat substrates in the canopy (defined as dead leaves, dead branches, and living leaves) and compared them with those in soil communities. Habitat substrates and microarthropods were periodically collected by the branch-clipping and washing method from the canopy and by the Tullgren method from the soil. Oribatida, Collembola, and larvae of the Chironomidae, most of which are detritivorous or fungivorous, were dominant in the canopy. The dominant oribatid and collembolan families differed markedly between the canopy and the soil. Numbers of all microarthropods per unit dry weight of leaf or per unit area of branch ranged from 4.2 to 11.7g^–1 dry wt on dead leaves, 0.13–0.48cm^–2 on dead branches, and 1.3–6.4g^–1 dry wt on living leaves. In the soil, the number of individuals per unit ground area ranged from 24000 to 220000m^–2. The total abundances of microarthropods on dead leaves and dead branches were almost constant throughout the year. These results suggest that the arboreal litter characteristic of C. japonica canopies is utilized consistently by large numbers of detritivorous and fungivorous microarthropods, and that the decomposition of dead foliage and branches is initiated in the canopy.     

The effects of forest type on soil microbial activity in Changbai Mountain,Northeast China

Key message

Forty years after clear-cutting mixed old-growth forest (broadleaf/Korean pine) in the Changbai Mountain area (Northeast China), a mixed forest with natural broadleaf regeneration and larch plantation displayed larger microbial biomass and activity in the soil than either a naturally regenerated birch forest or a monospecific spruce plantation.

Context

Clear-cutting with limited restoration effort was until the end of the twentieth century the norm for managing primary forests in Northeast China. Forest restoration plays an important role in the recovery of soil quality after clear-cutting, but the effects of different regeneration procedures on forest soil quality remain poorly known in Northeast China.

Aims

We assessed the effects of three regeneration procedures, i.e., (i) naturally regenerated birch forest, (ii) spruce plantation, and (iii) naturally regenerated broadleaf species interspersed with planted larch on soil quality and microbial activity in the Changbai Mountain area. An old-growth mixed broadleaf/Korean pine forest was used as a reference.

Methods

Physical and chemical properties and microbial biomass were recorded in the soil. Basal respiration and carbon mineralization were measured with a closed-jar alkali-absorption method.

Results

Microbial biomass was smaller in the birch forest and spruce plantation than in the old-growth and the mixed broadleaf/larch forests. Moreover, microbial biomass, microbial quotient, and potentially mineralizable carbon were larger in the mixed broadleaf/larch than in the birch forest, while no difference was found between spruce plantation and birch forest for microbial biomass and microbial quotient. Basal respiration and metabolic quotient were larger in the birch forest as compared to the three other forest types, indicating a larger energy need for maintenance of the microbial community and lower microbial activity in the naturally regenerated birch forest.

Conclusion

Mixed broadleaf/larch forest displayed a larger microbial biomass and higher substrate use efficiency of the soil microbial community than either naturally regenerated birch forest or spruce plantation. The combined natural and artificial regeneration procedure (mixed broadleaf-larch forest) seems better suited to restore soil quality after clear-cutting in the Changbai Mountain.

     

Patterns and factors in early-stage vegetation recovery at abandoned plantation clearcut sites in Oita, Japan: possible indicators for evaluating vegetation status

The abandonment of sites after clearcutting plantations is increasing rapidly in Japan. Although a few stand-level studies have been conducted, a broad-scale study is needed to understand the general tendency of vegetation recovery and to obtain information for the management of such extensively distributed abandoned clearcut sites. This study is a province-level study that aims to interpret the patterns and factors in early-stage vegetation recovery at abandoned plantation clearcut sites. We also discuss the potential indicators that may determine whether a certain site recovers towards evergreen broad-leaved forest consisting of Castanopsis cuspidata and Quercus glauca or towards deciduous broad-leaved forest comprising Q. serrata and Q. acutissima. A cluster analysis revealed that five types of vegetation (evergreen trees, evergreen trees–deciduous pioneer shrubs, pioneer species, deciduous trees, and deciduous shrubs) were observed from an early stage of succession. The first two vegetation types were considered to recover successfully to the target vegetation of evergreen broad-leaved forest, but the remaining three vegetation types did not show any tendency to recover to the target vegetations. According to the results of the detrended correspondence analysis, a smaller size of the abandoned site with adjacent evergreen broad-leaved forest and a longer time after clearcutting were identified as factors that enhance the invasion of evergreen tree species; these factors are also useful to predict the future successional tendency. In conjunction with these factors, the existence of regeneration sources (i.e., stumps) that allow sprouting appeared to be an important indicator for predicting the early-stage vegetation recovery.     

A comparison of decomposition dynamics among green tree leaves,partially decomposed tree leaf litter and their mixture in a warm temperate forest ecosystem

Decomposition dynamics were compared among green tree leaves, partially decomposed tree leaf litter (i.e., decayed tree leaf litter on forest floor) and a mixture of the two in a warm temperate forest ecosystem in central China to test the influence of litter chemical quality on the degree of decomposition. The study was conducted in situ at two contrasting forest sites, an oak forest dominated by Quercus aliena var. acuteserrata Maxim., and a mixed pine and oak forest dominated by Pinus armandii Franch. and Q. aliena var. acuteserrata. We found marked differences in the rate of decomposition among litter types at both forest sites; the litter decomposition constant, k, was about 39 % greater at the oak forest site and more than 70 % greater at the pine-oak forest site, for green leaves than for partially decomposed leaf litter. The decomposition dynamics and temporal changes in litter chemistry of the three litter types also greatly differed between the two forest sites. At both forest sites, the higher rate of decomposition for the green leaves was associated with a higher nitrogen (N) content and lower carbon to N ratio (C/N) and acid-unhydrolyzable residue to N ratio (AUR/N). We did not find any non-additive effects when mixing green leaves and partially decomposed leaf litter. Our findings support the contention that litter chemical quality is one of the most important determinants of litter decomposition in forest ecosystems at the local or regional scale, but the effect of litter chemical quality on decomposition differs between the contrasting forest types and may vary with the stage of decomposition.     

Composition and ecological distribution of forest soil animal in Confucian graveyard of Qufu

Soil animal communities of Secondary forest,Platycladus forest andQuercus acutissima forest in Confucian graveyard of Qufu were investigated. 3583 specimens were collected, belonging separately to 5 Phylums, 11 Classes and 23 Orders. Two dominant groups and 9 common groups account for 94.45% of the total numbers. The soil animals in these three forest habitats differ in composition, ecological distribution and important indices. The dominant groups of soil animals in the three forests were the same, but other groups differ more greatly. Diversity index (H′) and evenness index (E) of soil animal in Secondary forest are the highest, and yet dominance index (C) inQuercus acutissima forest is the highest. Most soil animals in each forest habitats congregate to the surface soil layer. Their sorts and individual numbers are all layer I>II>III. It is very similar for composition of soil animals in the three forests. Responsible editor: Chai Ruhai     

Screening method for wood extractives: direct cellulose thin-layer chromatography plate

A method for screening wood extractives was developed using cellulose thin-layer chromatography plate (Cell-TLC) separation and was directly applied to bioassays. Wood meal (60 mesh) from nangka (Artocarpus heterophyllus Lamk) heartwood was extracted with hot methanol. The crude extract was separated using a Cell-TLC plate (50 × 50mm). Two broad bands with R_f values of 0.46 and 0.96 were found, and the bands showed completely different effects against the pest termite Coptotermes formosanus Shiraki and the decay fungus Fomitopsis palustris. The band with R_f 0.46 was preferentially consumed by workers of C. formosanus, and it did not show any growth inhibition against F. palustris when the Cell-TLC plate was directly exposed to the organism. In contrast, the band with R_f 0.96 appeared to repel strongly the feeding by C. formosanus and inhibited the growth of F. palustris. It was concluded that the Cell-TLC system was applicable for screening wood extracts consisting of many compounds.